Intelligence Brief

The anesthesia news that actually moves your career.

AI-curated coverage of legislation, workforce trends, compensation shifts, CMS policy, practice-authority moves, and CAA expansion. Filtered for CRNA + CAA relevance — not generic healthcare news.

CMS Finalizes 2026 PFS: Anesthesia Conversion Factor Lands at $20.4976

CMS released the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule on October 31, 2025. The anesthesia conversion factor rises 0.88% to $20.4976 for most providers; QPP-qualifying APM participants get $20.5998 (+1.39%). The OBBBA's 2.5% bump was largely offset by methodology cuts including a 2.3% across-the-board reduction for practice expense and malpractice. Facility-based services drop 7%; non-facility settings rise 4%.

Holland & Knight

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CMS PolicyFri, Oct 31, 2025

ASA: 2026 PFS "Undermines Anesthesia Payments and QPP Participation"

The American Society of Anesthesiologists publicly criticized the CY 2026 final rule, arguing CMS's methodology changes erased most of the OBBBA-mandated 2.5% increase and made meaningful Quality Payment Program participation harder for anesthesia groups. ASA is pursuing legislative and administrative remedies through 2026.

American Society of Anesthesiologists

cmspfsasa

How News Items Are Curated

Stories are pulled from state legislative trackers, AANA + AAAA government affairs feeds, CMS releases, peer-reviewed workforce research, healthcare trade press, and major news outlets. Items are summarized by AI but selected for CRNA + CAA relevance — generic healthcare news is filtered out. Each item links to its primary source so you can verify and read in full. We do not sponsor or accept paid placements in the news feed. Read the full editorial policy →